At digitaLIFT (formerly Community Tech Network), we believe in the power of partnerships to create real change, and Lake County, Illinois, is a shining example. Through its Digital Growth Initiative and the launch of the Lake County Digital Navigator Program, this forward-thinking organization is working hard to ensure that residents have the tools and support they need to thrive in today’s digital world.
Digital Equity Matters in Lake County
The Lake County Digital Growth Initiative was established to evaluate and improve high-speed internet access across the region. With over 19,000 households—roughly 8 percent of the county—lacking any form of broadband service, the need is clear. Lake County responded with its first-ever Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan, designed to close the digital divide and create long-term solutions for underserved residents.
Empowering Residents Through Personalized Support
A cornerstone of Lake County’s digital equity strategy is the Digital Navigator Program. This initiative offers one-on-one technology assistance to help residents troubleshoot devices, access online resources, and build digital confidence. From navigating healthcare portals to exploring educational opportunities, digital navigators are helping people access the services they need and empowering them to use technology independently.
Additionally, the program builds stronger communities by partnering with local organizations and ensuring outreach efforts reach those who need support.
digitalLIFT Training: A Game-Changer for Navigators
Lake County’s success has been strengthened through its participation in digitalLIFT’s training programs. Keay Crandall, Digital Equity Manager and participant in digitalLIFT’s capacity-building training, says:
“Participating in digitalLIFT’s training programs has been transformative. Our Digital Navigators and program managers now have the necessary skills to effectively assist our community. We appreciate how the debrief sessions allow for reflection and the opportunity to learn from other programs across the country.”
Fifteen Lake County staff, including digital navigators, program coordinators, and site managers, have been enrolled in digitalLIFT’s Navigator training package, with additional modules tailored to their local, specific needs. These include special focus areas on Digital Equity & Healthcare, Aging, and Libraries, ensuring that the training is both broad and deeply relevant.
Quick Start with Ready-to-Use Curriculum
To help Lake County hit the ground running, digitalLIFT also provided five complimentary curricula from our training library. These included Android and Windows PC courses in both English and Spanish, along with iPhone instruction in English. With these ready-to-use materials, the county’s partners could immediately begin offering digital skills classes without having to create lesson plans from scratch.
Building a More Connected Future
digitalLIFT’s partnership with Lake County illustrates what’s possible when local leadership and national expertise come together. From empowering individuals to strengthening the broader community, this collaboration is helping to ensure that digital access and skills aren’t privileges—they’re basic rights.
We’re proud to support Lake County’s ongoing efforts and look forward to seeing how their digital equity programs continue to grow.
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